Transport Welfare

Welfare of Animals in Hot Weather Transport

Transporting animals in hot weather without adequate ventilation and cooling creates heat stress emergencies that kill thousands of animals annually.

Key Facts

Broiler chicken transport in summer conditions results in significant mortality
Cattle in poorly ventilated trucks develop heat stroke in temperatures above 27 Celsius
Many jurisdictions lack enforceable temperature limits for animal transport vehicles
Misting systems and strategic scheduling can prevent most heat transport deaths
The most welfare-impactful change is scheduling transport during cooler hours

Welfare Considerations

Hot weather transport deaths are preventable. Scheduling trips to avoid peak heat, providing adequate ventilation, and stopping for water and rest are technically simple measures that regulators and industry have been slow to mandate. The suffering of heat-stressed animals in transport is severe and acute.

What You Can Do

Advocate for transport temperature regulations with enforceable heat stress limits
Support transport scheduling requirements during extreme heat events
Donate to organizations monitoring and documenting livestock transport welfare
Choose products from suppliers with documented animal transport welfare protocols